One change for Blues

The Blues have made one injury enforced change to their side that will face the Chiefs as Angus Ta'avao comes in for Charlie Faumuina.

The Blues have made one enforced change to their side that will face the Chiefs as Angus Ta'avao comes in for Charlie Faumuina at tighthead prop.

Faumuina tore his right calf against the Waratahs last week and is expected to be out for eight weeks.

Former New Zealand U20 prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi is poised to make his Super Rugby debut after being named on the bench.

"Ofa is still a young man, he's getting better, he's been very good for the Development squad but Angus has been great for us so it's just a natural progression after the unfortunate injury to Charlie," Kirwan said.

After consecutive losses against the Bulls and Waratahs, Kirwan said it was important for his side to rediscover their excitement levels.

"We just need to play our game, we want to get excited again and start playing the high tempo, high skill, high impact game which we haven't done in the last two matches so let's let the shackles off and get out there and enjoy it."

Kirwan believed playing against the defending champions would bring out the best in his young team.

"If you can't get motivated to play the current champions who are in our neighbourhood then get out of the game," he said.

"This is why we play the game. The Chiefs, our neighbours, down there, they're champions, we need to win - it doesn't get any better than that."